Who will handle the workload for the Raiders during Marshawn Lynch's absence?

With the recent news of Marshawn Lynch being out for the next several games, the focus now shifts to who will take over the backfield in his absence. The assumption is that veteran, Doug Martin will be the team’s lead back, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

However, while Martin may assume some of Lynch’s role, that doesn’t mean he is going to get a lot of work. Almost all of Lynch’s work this season was when the team was ahead or within one score. He had a total of nine total touches when Oakland was down by a touchdown or more.

When the Raiders get behind, they put Jalen Richard in the backfield as a receiver. Richard has just three touches when the team has been ahead, but 39 touches when the team is tied or trailing. He is the preferred back when the Raiders are behind.

Considering the talent on the Raiders’ roster and their upcoming schedule, it’s hard to envision Martin getting a lot of touches each week. Expect Martin to handle some of the work in the first half with Richard taking over more in the second halves of these games. If you are a fantasy football owner looking to find the more valuable player, go with Richard.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Raiders Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Raiders Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.